Montenegro's Cabinet Session

Podgorica, Montenegro (27 January 2017) – The Government of Montenegro held today its tenth session chaired by Prime Minister Duško Marković. At the beginning of the session, the Prime Minister informed the Government about the EU's positive assessment regarding financial consolidation plan. "At the beginning of the term we have done a good job that is evident in the European Union," PM Marković said.

The Cabinet adopted the Work Programme of the Government of Montenegro for 2017, Economic Reform Programme for Montenegro 2017 - 2019 and the Programme of Accession of Montenegro to the EU 2017 - 2018.

Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Policy and Financial System said that the Government's Work Programme for 2017 was a document created as a result of a wide consultation process with the industry and social partners, whose views are respected to the maximum extent. DPM Milutin Simović emphasised that the special attention was paid to the capital development projects, which will be analysed more frequently than before - on a quarterly basis.

It was noted that in 2017 the Government will be dedicated to activities arising from the country's priorities in its further development and fulfillment of strategic objectives. Accordingly, the establishment of a functioning public administration is one of the priorities, in order to, among other things, create the conditions for improving the competitiveness of the economy and quality of life. The Government will specifically be dedicated to activities in the process of joining the European Union and NATO, the harmonisation of national legislation with the EU acquis, in order to meet the criteria for closing the key chapters, in particular through the implementation of action plans for chapters 23 and 24, the implementation of public administration reform, consistent implementation of legislation and strengthening administrative capacity in all areas of government policy, particularly in the context of institutions responsible for fighting corruption and organised crime. Government's Work Programme for 2017 includes 16 priority development projects and 205 commitments in the thematic and normative part.

Economic Reform Programme is Montenegro's most important document in the economic dialogue with the European Commission and EU member states. It is also country's key strategic document for the medium-term macroeconomic and fiscal programming, which includes the agenda of structural reforms that are important for reducing or eliminating obstacles to economic growth and strengthening the overall competitiveness of the country. Economic Reform Programme 2017-2019 contains a medium-term macroeconomic and fiscal framework and fiscal policy measures, as well as a comprehensive agenda of structural reforms. Montenegro's strategic development goal defined by the Programme is sustainable and inclusive economic growth that will contribute to reducing developmental delay compared to the EU average and increase the quality of life of all its citizens.

Programme of Accession of Montenegro to the EU 2017 - 2018 is the basic document adapted to constant changes and development of the EU acquis, as well as the dynamics of the negotiation process.

The Government also adopted the Fourth Quarterly Report on Implementation of Commitments under Programme of Accession of Montenegro to the EU 2016 - 2018.

The Government adopted Decree on Conditions, Method and the Pace of Implementation of Measures of Agricultural Policy for 2017 – Agribudget in total amount of EUR 31.5 million.

The Government also adopted the Information on the Financial Agreement for the Danube Transnational Programme 2014-2020, as well as Information on the Financing Agreement and the Agreement on the Implementation of the Programme of Interregional Cooperation Mediterranean 2014-2020, concerning Montenegro's participation in these programmes under IPA II.